Public urged to choose appropriate sunscreen lotion

MANILA, Philippines - As summer heats up, be discerning in using sunscreen lotion when going outdoors.

In an advisory, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) director general Kenneth Hartigan-Go said the public should not use sunscreen protection randomly because there are various kinds to suit their needs.

Go said that overexposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun may lead to skin cancer and there are two “harmful UV rays.” UV-A rays easily pass through glass windows and cause wrinkles and premature aging of the skin, while UV-B rays are blocked by glass windows and cause sunburn.

Water reflects the damaging rays of the sun and increases the chance of sunburn. The sun’s rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

“If staying under the sun is unavoidable, use sunscreen protection which comes in different preparations like lotion, cream, gel or ointment,” Go said.

The FDA said creams are best for the face and dry skin, while gels are good for hairy areas of the skin. Water-resistant sunscreen products are best when going swimming or when sweating profusely.

“Regardless of which sunscreen preparation you choose, be sure to apply it generously to achieve full UV ray protection,” Go said.

But Go noted that not all sunscreens have the same ingredients. He advised the public to choose a product that suits their skin and to be aware of the expiration date because some sunscreen ingredients might degrade over time.

“All consumers are advised to read the label and follow the instructions on the amount that can be applied on the body, when to apply sunscreens before actual exposure, the frequency of re-application, among other instructions and precautions,” he said.

“There are practical ways to avoid overexposure to harmful sun rays. Protective clothing may be worn such as long-sleeved shirt, pants, a hat or sunglasses,” he added.

For babies, the best sun protection is to keep them in the shade or use appropriate clothes or cover.

“Allow them to drink plenty of fluid. Babies have sensitive skin compared to adults and applying sunscreen preparation to less than six-month-old babies should be avoided,” Go said.

For older babies, sunscreen should be applied only to skin not covered by clothing. Never apply sunscreen around the eyes.